Hannink Equine Center, Modesto

At Hannink Equine Center, founder Jen Hannink draws upon a 25-year-long, World Cup–winning career to instruct would-be equestrians on the fundamentals of horseback riding and interspecies teamwork. The facility’s two large arenas are nestled among the peach and almond trees that blanket the Central Valley—a picturesque setting for lessons designed to familiarize riders of every skill level with the essentials. Beginners start off in private lessons with instructor Shawna Thornton, who patiently guides them through saddling, bridling, and grooming the stable's horses both before and after the lesson.

As the program advances, riders meet with new challenges until they’re finally ready to train under the expert guidance of Hannink, who further educates them on teamwork principles, riding theory, and the latest trends in jodhpurs.